Milika Ligabalavu

Assistant Lecturer, Law, Fiji National University
Fiji
I should emphasise that DTP training was not just about learning, it was about making deep bonds with fellow participants who came from different backgrounds and understanding.

DTP alumna Milika Qolitabua Ligabalavu worked as a Policy and Research Officer at the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) when she participated in DTP’s 31st Annual Program in Timor-Leste in 2023. Today she lectures and teaches law at the Fiji National University. In this teaching role Milika uses her legal expertise and passion for human rights to influence the next generation of change makers.

When Milika was at CCF, she played a key role in coordinating submissions for Fiji’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), contributing significantly to the national discussions on human rights in Fiji.

Looking back at the DTP training, Milika reflected:

“It was a profound and transformative experience for me to participate in DTP training. It provided me with insights into the working of the UN mechanisms, the role of the special rapporteurs and significance of diplomacy in human rights advocacy.”

One of the highlights of that training for Milika was to meet East Timorese President (and DTP co-founder) Nobel Peace Laureate José Ramos-Horta. She had never met any other president before.

“I was so honoured to meet President José Ramos-Horta. He was a humble and noble man. His presence reminded me of the importance of leadership in human rights advocacy.”

Milika said another rewarding experience for her was that DTP provided her with a space where she could expand her global network – and that the training had opened her eyes to the struggles and resilience of human rights advocates from other nations.

“In sharing sessions, I learned so much about the human rights issues of other countries and later realised some of those issues also exist in my own country. I should also emphasise that DTP training was not just about learning, it was about making deep bonds with fellow participants who came from different backgrounds and understanding.”

Milika says that she applies the knowledge and skills she gained from the DTP in the classroom and in her community advocacy. Milika enjoys engaging with the community and educating them about their rights and teaching them how to maintain a delicate balance between rights and freedom.

Milika was born to a Fijian father and a mother from Papua New Guinea. She formed a strong sense of multicultural experience from her early childhood which enriched her work in appreciating diversity at the later stage of her life.

In future, Milika will continue her work in human rights, with a focus on improving the understanding and respect for human rights within Fiji.

August, 2024

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